VII.
Gay was the crew aboard this ship,
Passengers large and small;
They viewed the coming danger,
They felt it one and all.
On played the grand Orchestra
Their notes were soft and clear;
They realized God’s power on land
On sea ’twas just as near.
VIII.
So they played this glorious anthem
Continued on the sea
And repeated the beautiful chorus
“Nearer My God To Thee.”
Then silenced when the ship went down
Their notes were heard no more.
Surely they’ll wear a starry crown
On that Celestial Shore.
IX.
Colonel Astor, a millionaire,
Scholarly and profound,
Said to his wife, “I’ll meet you dear
Tomorrow in York Town.”
His bride asked a seaman true
“Oh say! may husband go;”
The echo came upon the blue
He answered, “He may, you know.”
X.
This man rushed not to his seat
He seem to have no fear,
Being calm, serene and discreet
Tendered it to a lady near,
“Oh go, he said, my darling wife
Please be not in despair,
Be of good cheer, as sure as life,
I’ll meet you over there.”
XI.
Well could he have known this dreadful night
The sea would be his grave
Though he worked with all his might
For those whom he could save.
This man a soldier once has been
Of military art,
Proved himself full competent then
To do his noble part.